2024-09-28
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is the oldest European-founded city in the Americas and a must-visit destination that harmoniously blends history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking beaches. Here’s the top things to do in San Juan.
Walking through the historic center, it’s impossible not to be charmed by the cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture, such as the San Felipe del Morro fort, built in the 16th century to defend the city from invaders.
This fort is one of San Juan’s most iconic landmarks, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Spanish influence is everywhere, from the colorful façades of the houses to iconic squares like Plaza de Armas, inspired by Madrid’s Plaza Mayor. San Juan preserves its colonial soul while also pulsing with a modern, vibrant culture.
The beaches are also a true paradise, with crystal-clear waters and white sands, perfect for relaxing or enjoying water sports. Whether exploring the historic streets or diving into tropical waters, San Juan captivates with its diversity and beauty.
Visiting San Juan, I felt a special connection to its rich heritage and the welcoming energy that radiates from every corner. It’s with this warmth that I write about this enchanting city, which will undoubtedly leave an unforgettable mark on all who visit.
Best Things to Do in San Juan, the Capital of Puerto Rico
Walking in Old San Juan, the Historic District of the City
Walking through Old San Juan is an incredible experience and one the best things to do in San Juan! The historic district of Puerto Rico’s capital is known for its blue cobblestone streets and colorful houses, as well as the cathedral and forts built by the Spanish.
But I found that this area has much more to offer!
For those who love immersing themselves in local culture, a visit to Casa Blanca is a great choice. This former residence, built for Juan Ponce de León’s family, is now a museum.
Another must-see is Paseo de la Princesa, a pedestrian avenue that runs along the city’s old wall.
Along the way, you’ll encounter street performers, vendors selling traditional food, and craft shops.
I recommend visiting in the late afternoon when you can enjoy the sunset over San Juan Bay.
Parque de las Palomas, located next to the old building of the Free Associated State Bank, is another spot I suggest!
As the name implies, the park is full of pigeons, and visitors can feed them while enjoying views of the bay and city. Each bag of seeds for feeding the birds costs 2 USD.
Exploring San Juan’s City Beaches
While there are famous and nearly deserted beaches in other regions of Puerto Rico, San Juan also has beaches that are definitely worth visiting.
I’m referring to beaches near the capital that don’t require transportation, meaning you can easily visit them as they are within a reasonable walking distance from San Juan.
So, when you are in Puerto Rico’s capital, my beach recommendations are: Condado Beach, Atlantic Beach, and Playita la Laguna del Condado.
👉 If you want to explore other beaches in San Juan, be sure to read this article: Discover San Juan’s Beaches.
Atlantic Beach
Atlantic Beach is one of the most popular beaches in San Juan, ideal for those seeking comfort and convenience. I must say it was one of my favorite beaches in San Juan.
At this beach, you can rent umbrellas and chairs, which adds a lot of comfort.
Additionally, there are gardens near the beach as well as a playground.
Also very important is the fact that there is a parking lot nearby, as well as some (few) free parking spaces.
Playita la Laguna del Condado
Playita la Laguna del Condado is a small, hidden beach in San Juan, perfect for those seeking tranquility and calm waters.
In fact, the name says it all—it’s a very small beach. However, since it is located in the lagoon, there are virtually no waves, making it ideal for families with young children.
The lagoon is protected by a natural reef, creating ideal conditions for activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
It’s also at Laguna del Condado that one of Puerto Rico’s most amazing activities takes place: seeing manatees.
Balneario del Escambrón
Balneario del Escambrón has everything that typical Caribbean beaches offer: palm trees, a long stretch of sand, calm waters, beach chairs, umbrellas—everything you need for a dream beach experience.
And it truly is a wonderful beach, which is why it’s frequented by both tourists and locals.
To conclude this section on beaches, I would like to add that if you only have time to visit one beach in San Juan, I recommend it be Balneario del Escambrón.
Take a look at the photographs and see for yourself why it’s considered a dream beach!
Seeing Manatees at Laguna del Condado
Seeing manatees at Laguna del Condado is a unique and unforgettable experience. In this lagoon, a pair of manatees reside, and these marine mammals captivate those who observe them.
These friendly animals are known for their peaceful nature and curiosity, and since they are accustomed to human presence, it is possible to see them up close.
I was fortunate enough to see the manatees during my visit to the lagoon, so I can confidently say it’s an amazing experience!
They suddenly appeared, swimming in the calm waters, but unfortunately, I wasn’t quick enough to take photos. Or rather, I was completely mesmerized by the moment. They are quite large, but swim with a grace that is enchanting… it was simply a magical moment!
One of the best ways to see these gentle giants is by renting a kayak. Often, the manatees swim alongside the kayaks, but it’s important not to disturb them.
Exploring San Juan’s Forts: Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, also known as “El Morro,” and Castillo San Cristóbal make up the San Juan National Historic Site.
These two fortresses were built by the Spanish to protect the city from both maritime and land threats.
El Morro was constructed in the 16th century by the Spanish to guard the entrance to San Juan Bay from naval attacks. In fact, this fortification was commissioned by King Charles I of Spain in 1539, in honor of King Philip II.
It features massive walls and still has cannons in place.
On the other side, Castillo San Cristóbal was built to protect the city from land attacks. It is the largest fort built by the Spanish in the New World, and its complex structure includes secret passages, tunnels, and massive bastions.
Guided tours by knowledgeable staff are available, along with a short documentary about San Juan and the forts.
Additionally, there are demonstrations of antique weapon firing held on the third Sunday of every month.
The fort features an extensive tunnel system connecting various sections, including the guardhouse and the parade ground. Notably, there is also an artillery post constructed by the U.S. Army during World War II, and a display of real bombs.
The highest point of the castle, known as El Caballero de San Miguel, offers a complete view of the city.
Both forts are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, underscoring their historical and cultural significance.
Gazing at San Juan Bay from the La Rogativa Statue
For me, one of the best spots to admire San Juan Bay is from Plazuela La Rogativa. But when you get there, beyond the view, there’s something more.
The La Rogativa statue has an incredible story—one of those tales that seems made up to embellish a history book, yet it really happened.
The statue commemorates a legendary event from 1797 during the British siege of Puerto Rico.
At that time, British forces led by General Sir Ralph Abercromby surrounded San Juan with a large number of soldiers and ships. The city seemed on the brink of falling, and the residents were desperate.
In response, the bishop of San Juan organized a religious procession to seek divine intervention. The procession, known as “La Rogativa” (The Request), involved local women and children who, at night, took to the streets with lit torches, singing hymns, and carrying religious banners.
As they moved through the streets and along the city walls, the lights from the torches and the participants’ voices created the illusion of an imminent arrival of military reinforcements.
Seeing the lights and hearing the chants, the British interpreted the event as the arrival of a large force of Spanish soldiers to defend the city. Fearing an unfavorable confrontation, they decided to withdraw, abandoning the siege.
The La Rogativa statue, located near Puerta de San Juan, honors this remarkable event. It depicts a religious figure with a cross, surrounded by figures holding torches, symbolizing the faith and courage of San Juan’s inhabitants, who saved the city from invasion with a simple procession.
Visiting the Cathedral of San Juan
The Cathedral of San Juan, located in the heart of Old San Juan, is the oldest cathedral in the Americas, dating back to the early 16th century.
Although there is some controversy regarding the Cathedral of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, which was completed earlier, the consecration by the bishop occurred first at the Cathedral of San Juan. Therefore, it is considered the oldest cathedral in the Americas.
The building is an impressive example of Spanish colonial architecture, with a neoclassical façade that delights visitors.
Inside, you can admire the richly decorated interior, featuring Baroque details and religious artwork. The cathedral is also the final resting place of Juan Ponce de León, the famous explorer who discovered Puerto Rico.
Taking a Food Tour
I loved the food tour I took in San Juan because it was a fantastic way to combine the history and culinary culture of Puerto Rico.
So, I highly recommend adding a food tour to your list of things to do in San Juan.
The tour I participated in was the Sunset Walk & Taste in Old San Juan Tour, organized by SPOON Experience, a company specializing in authentic cultural experiences and food tours in Puerto Rico.
The tour began at Juanes Restaurant, where we sampled the iconic chicken mofongo accompanied by a refreshing piña colada.
Here, we learned interesting things about sofrito and annatto (or achiote), a natural coloring agent essential in Puerto Rican cuisine, which adds color and flavor to many traditional dishes.
The second stop was at Hotel El Convento, a historic place in Old San Juan, where we enjoyed a delicious ceviche and a Watermelon Mojito with rum – a perfect combination of fresh and tropical flavors.
At the third location, La Taberna Lúpulo, a popular craft brewery, we enjoyed a Cuban sandwich with roast pork accompanied by a biermosa, a mix of craft beer and orange juice..
To wrap up, we had dinner at Restaurante Deaverdura, where we were served roasted pork, rice and beans, fruit juice, and for dessert, traditional tembleque (a Puerto Rican coconut pudding).
This food tour was excellent, so I highly recommend it!
Going Chinchorreo
Going chinchorreo is a truly Puerto Rican experience. Chinchorreo involves visiting a series of local bars, known as chinchorros, typically found in rural areas or the mountains.
The concept is similar to a pub crawl, but with a strong emphasis on traditional food and socializing.
Chinchorros are informal establishments serving drinks, primarily beer and rum, along with traditional Puerto Rican dishes such as alcapurrias, bacalaítos, mofongo, tostones, and lechón asado.
The fun part is hopping from one chinchorro to another, sampling different snacks and drinks at each stop while enjoying live music, dancing, and interacting with locals and other visitors.
This social aspect is crucial, often done in groups, and is a great way to explore different regions of Puerto Rico.
Chinchorreo routes are popular on weekends and holidays, with famous routes like those in the Guavate mountains in Cayey, where you can try some of the island’s best roasted pork.
However, if you’re in Old San Juan, there are also a few chinchorros where you can experience chinchorreo without leaving the city.
Taking a Puerto Rican Cooking Class
At home, I usually cook for my family, so I always jump at the chance to learn new recipes.
That’s why I was thrilled to participate in a cooking class at Cocina Abierta, a restaurant in the heart of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
It was a unique experience where I had the chance to learn about the ingredients used in traditional Puerto Rican dishes and their recipes.
Moreover, both the chefs and the group were relaxed and fun, making the evening even more special.
What to expect from a cooking class in Puerto Rico?
The class was highly interactive, perfect for both regular cooks like me and those with less experience.
I learned how to prepare traditional Puerto Rican techniques and dishes, such as sofrito, pasteles, roasted pork shoulder, and rice with pigeon peas and longaniza.
To finish, we made a delicious dessert, tembleque, which is coconut milk-based.
Chef Manuel, who led the class, was fantastic! He was incredibly patient, had a great sense of humor, and turned complex recipes into something accessible and fun.
It was truly a pleasure to learn from him and hear his stories about Puerto Rican cuisine.
Meal at the end of the cooking class
At the end, we all gathered around a table to share the meal we had prepared. The food was delicious, and it was a great way to make new friends and share the joy of local cuisine.
I recommend this class to anyone interested in exploring Puerto Rican culture in a more intimate way. Whether with family, friends, or even solo, this experience is a fun way to learn, cook, and, of course, taste.
For me, it was one of the best ways to feel connected to Puerto Rican culture and cuisine!
Visit Casa BACARDÍ Puerto Rico
It is said that rum began in Barbados, in the Caribbean. In fact, it is on this island that the oldest known distillery is located.
It is believed that slaves working on sugar plantations experimented with the molasses left over from sugarcane, leading to the creation of rum.
Sugar was valuable, but molasses was not. It is likely that it was the slaves who brought rum to Puerto Rico.
Casa BACARDÍ’s history begins in 1862, when the brand was founded in Cuba. Since then, it has become one of the world’s largest rum producers and, after the Cuban Revolution in 1950, moved to Puerto Rico.
Today, the distillery in Cataño is one of the island’s major tourist landmarks, where you can explore the history and legacy of this iconic brand.
Although visitors typically enjoy guided tours and rum tastings to learn about the distillation process, I had the opportunity to visit Casa BACARDÍ during the closing party of a travel event.
It was a memorable night! The cocktails, made with the famous BACARDÍ rum, were excellent, the music was lively, and the atmosphere was filled with smiling, cheerful people.
Take a photo next to the “I Love PR” sign near the Port of San Juan.
Taking a photo next to the “I Love PR” sign near the Port of San Juan is a popular activity for visitors to Puerto Rico.
Even though it’s a very touristy thing that usually wouldn’t catch my attention, I have to say I couldn’t resist this time. In fact, everyone who passes by here waits their turn to take their photo.
Additionally, since it’s located in a busy and accessible area of the Port of San Juan, it’s often the first stop for many cruise passengers when they disembark.
See the Colorful Houses and Blue Cobblestones in the Old San Juan
San Juan is a true spectacle of color and history, especially in the historic center. The colorful houses are one of the most distinctive features of this area, with 27 different officially registered colors. Each color is unique to each block, ensuring a well-organized harmony.
In addition to the colorful houses, the blue cobblestone pavement also stands out.
Before the cobblestones were installed, the streets were made of dirt and river stones, which made it difficult to transport cannons and other heavy items.
Then, in 1890, the stones were imported from Sunderland, England. The metal present in the stones reacts with oxygen, giving them a distinctive blue color.
Interestingly, there are legends and stories that say the blue stones arrived on the ships of Spanish conquerors, but these are just… stories.
Accommodation in San Juan
When it comes to choosing accommodation in San Juan, my recommendation is the Don Rafa Boutique Hotel & Residences.
It is a sophisticated retreat that beautifully blends modern luxury with Caribbean charm.
The location is also excellent, as it is close to Condado Beach.
Moreover, the hotel offers an exclusive experience to its guests, with elegant rooms and a rooftop pool that is simply amazing!
Each room is carefully decorated to provide comfort, equipped with all modern amenities, such as a coffee machine for those who enjoy a good espresso in the morning.
In addition to the luxurious rooms, Don Rafa features a terrace on the top floor, where guests can relax on comfortable sofas and enjoy the panoramic view of San Juan while taking a dip in the pool.
Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to San Juan
How to get from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport to Downtown San Juan?
Getting from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport to Downtown San Juan is quite easy, with several transportation options available.
One of the fastest and most convenient ways is to take a taxi, though it can also be one of the more expensive options. At the airport, there is a taxi stand right outside the terminals.
The trip to Downtown San Juan typically takes between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on traffic, and the average cost is around 20 USD.
Another option is to use Uber, which might be a more economical choice compared to traditional taxis. To use Uber, you’ll need to go to Pier 16, the designated area for ride-sharing services at the airport.
It’s very important to only request an Uber ride after you are at Pier 16 to avoid any additional charges for delays at the pickup point.
However, if you plan to have more freedom during your stay, renting a car might be the best option.
The airport has several car rental companies available, allowing you to explore not only San Juan but also other regions of Puerto Rico.
👉 Learn more by reading the article: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), San Juan
👉 See how much it costs to rent a car in Puerto Rico
Is there Uber in Puerto Rico?
There is Uber in some areas of Puerto Rico, such as the airport and San Juan. However, not the entire island is covered by Uber’s network, so if you plan to explore more remote locations, it’s best to rent a car.
👉 See how much it costs to rent a car in Puerto Rico.
What is the currency in Puerto Rico?
The official currency in Puerto Rico is the U.S. dollar (USD). Being a territory of the United States, Puerto Rico uses the same currency system as on the mainland.
What language is spoken in Puerto Rico?
In Puerto Rico, the official languages are Spanish and English.
However, in my experience, both in San Juan and in more remote areas, most people speak Spanish.
English is more common among the younger generation, who often speak Spanish among themselves but use English when interacting with visitors.
Additionally, in tourist areas, professionals in the tourism sector also frequently speak English.
How many days are needed to visit San Juan?
To visit San Juan comprehensively, it is recommended to spend at least 3 to 4 days.
With this amount of time, you will have the opportunity to explore major attractions such as Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, and the Cathedral of San Juan, as well as stroll through the colorful streets of Old San Juan and relax on the local beaches.
You will also have several opportunities to enjoy traditional cuisine at local restaurants and take advantage of San Juan’s nightlife.
What is the best time to travel to Puerto Rico?
Generally, the best time to travel to Puerto Rico is between December and April, when the weather is cooler and drier with less rain.
This period coincides with the high tourist season in the Caribbean.
However, I traveled to Puerto Rico in July and had a great trip, despite it being the hottest and most humid time of the year.
This is because, although Caribbean weather can be unpredictable, with proper preparation, it is possible to enjoy the trip at any time of the year.
What is the nightlife like in San Juan?
The nightlife in San Juan is vibrant and lively, with both young and older crowds filling the bars and restaurants in Old San Juan.
Therefore, it is very important to make reservations at the restaurants you plan to visit, or you might have to wait several hours for a table.
I’m not kidding – the most popular restaurants get packed and have long waiting lists.
Some places allow you to leave your phone number so you don’t have to wait at the door, but when they realize it’s a foreign number, they often frown upon it.
*I participated in a food tour of Old Town San Juan and a cooking class at Cocina Abierta with the support of Discover Puerto Rico, as part of TBEX North America. The closing party for this event took place at Casa BACARDÍ Puerto Rico. The other places I visited on my own.
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